WASHINGTON — Gen. Stanley McChrystal ended his 34-year career as an Army officer Friday in an emotional retirement ceremony at his Washington military headquarters, marking the last chapter of his swift and stunning fall from grace.

Before a crowd of a few hundred friends, family and colleagues on the Fort McNair parade grounds, McChrystal said his service didn’t end as he hoped. But he regretted few decisions he had made on the battlefield, cherished his life as a soldier and was optimistic about his future, he said.

“I trusted, and I still trust,” McChrystal said. “I cared, and I still care. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan was fired last month after Rolling Stone magazine published an article titled “The Runaway General” that quoted scathing remarks he and his aides made about their civilian bosses. Shortly afterward, McChrystal was sent packing.

In his 18-minute farewell tribute before the VIP-studded crowd, McChrystal made light of the episode. He warned his comrades in arms: “I have stories on all of you, photos of many, and I know a Rolling Stone reporter.”

But he also sounded a more serious note when he talked about the pain of leaving behind unfulfilled commitments in Afghanistan and watching colleagues ensnared in the scandal.

“There are misconceptions about the loyalty and service of some dedicated professionals that will likely take some time but I believe will be corrected,” he said.

Wearing his Army combat uniform for the last time, the four-star general received full military honors, including a 17-gun salute.

He smiled and nodded at members in the crowd and appeared to joke with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who appeared to fight back tears as he gave McChrystal a hero’s tribute.

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